Mercia Grange sends-off riders on gruelling 800-mile charity bike ride

Home news

Jun 05, 2019

Residents and team members at Mercia Grange played their part in a nationwide fundraising drive last week as part of Care UK’s pledge to raise thousands of pounds for three important charities through an initiative called Ride 800. 

Andrew Knight, chief executive of residential care, Jacqui White, marketing director, and Tony Weedon, strategic programme director, visited 26 homes as part of a 800-mile challenge.  

Mercia Grange was the 13th stop on the ride, which saw the trio spend 15 days out on the road. They cycled from Poole to Aberdeen – the locations of Care UK’s most southerly and northerly homes to raise money for the Care Workers Charity, the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland.

The Sutton Coldfield care home team put on a warm welcome for the intrepid cyclists, who were welcomed by residents, relatives, volunteers and the care team. The trio arrived to a rapturous rendition of ‘I Want to Ride my Bicycle’by Queen and enjoyed a selection of healthy treats prepared by the home’s kitchen team. 

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which is being transported around all of the 26 homes in the support vehicle that goes with the riders. The supported cycle allows two people to cycle side by side with only one rider having to pedal, and has proved very popular at all homes along the journey.

Residents who wanted to relive old cycling memories were also given a chance to have a go on the supported cycle which is being taken to around all 26 homes. 

Once the 800-mile ride is over, the directors will present the supported cycle to the home that they think created the best themed decorated bike. 

Commenting on the residents’ involvement in Care UK’s Ride 800 initiative, home manager at Mercia Grange, Shirley Gibbs, said: “Residents and colleagues have always been enthusiastic supporters of good causes, so when we learnt that we could help Care UK raise a five-figure sum for these three important charities, we jumped at the chance. It was great to be able to tell our directors first-hand how much we’d raised, and we were really proud to host their visit.”

Andrew Knight said: “Even though all three of us have been putting in the training hours, I think it’s fair to say that the reality of such a challenge is becoming very real, and it’s been a true test of our endurance both mentally and physically. A big motivating factor has been the inspiring efforts of the homes we are visiting and their creativity and energies in planning special fund-raising events and activities. Residents and our colleagues are well known for their warm and friendly welcomes which have been key to keeping our motivation levels high, and so I’d like to say thank you to everyone at the 26 homes, and in our Colchester support office, for joining in with our fundraising so enthusiastically.”